The best cities to work in around the world

The best cities to work in around the world

Is it time for a change? If you’re considering a move to pastures new then you might want to read our list of the best cities to work in around the world.

Here are some of the major urban areas that are attracting the best talent today.

Glasgow

Glasgow is often overlooked as one of the lesser known cities in the UK but Scotland’s second city is actually a pretty great place to launch or continue your career.

More affordable than Edinburgh or London (and a lot more friendly), in recent years the city has seen a growth in many different sectors including digital technology, tourism and the creative arts.

The city is also one of Europe’s top 20 financial centres with 52,000 jobs related to the financial and business service sector in the city centre alone.

Sydney

What Irish person hasn’t considered a move to Oz? Situated on Australia’s south-east coast Sydney has over 100 beaches, a great expat support system, good wages and a laid-back culture. It’s no wonder that thousands of people make the move each year.

The creative industry is the fastest growing sector in the city and is expected to account for $14.9 billion in 2030. There is also a massive tech scene with 64% of all Australian tech startups based in the city centre.

If you’re going to rent while you’re in Sydney then be prepared for steep prices. Jude Peppis a senior comms executive and past Sydney resident explains, ‘’Rent was much more than I expected with fierce competition in the best places. But, persevere and it will pay off. Then, never leave! It’s such an amazing city.”

Hong Kong

For those seeking new challenges abroad, Hong Kong has long been a popular expat destination. With low tax, an English-speaking population and an efficient transport system, it’s not hard to see why the city attracts a host of new workers.

It’s important to note that Chinese companies generally prefer to recruit local candidates who are bilingual. However, for certain niche skill sets openings for overseas staff remain.

The main sectors in the city include financial services, tourism, logistics and professional services.

New York

Most people dream of working in New York at least once in their lives. Each year millions of young professionals move to the city drawn by the promise of an exciting fast-paced life and the chance to chase the American dream. In fact, 25% of the city’s overall labour force is from outside the States.

While the largest industry by headcount is healthcare and social assistance, New York has huge finance and hospitality sectors too. It’s famously known as the city that never sleeps and that always-on culture is something that expats should be cautious of.

“It’s easy to get sucked into the 9-5 work week and never truly get to experience everything the city has to offer. It’s safe to say that New York is a cultural melting pot, allowing anyone who gives themselves the time to truly explore its entirety a quick glimpse of the whole world,’’ explains Jameson brand ambassador, Jamie Rath.

Toronto

Toronto or T-dot as it is affectionately known has a population of 2.8 million people. Located in the South East of the country, it’s just a short two-hour flight from New York City but don’t be fooled, this city has an identity all of its own.

The lure of jobs, a vibrant city life and of course friendly Canadians have been attracting young professionals to Toronto for decades.

35% of all the jobs in the city are based in the downtown area according to the most recent employment surveys. While there is lots of opportunity in Toronto, the competition for roles is pretty steep. Oisin Loughran, treasury analyst and expat explains, “It’s an expensive city and the job market is extremely competitive. Start the job search early and make sure you have saved enough money for at least 3 months expenses.”

Dublin

Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Sometimes you can spend years abroad just to appreciate what you’ve got right on your doorstep. Sure, we can complain about rent prices and the lack of affordable housing in Dublin but our capital city still has a lot to offer.

80% of the world’s global tech companies have a base in Dublin, this is more than any other city in the world. The city is currently home to more than 1,200 startups. As a result, the tech jobs market is booming. On top of that, hospitality is becoming a key player in the employment stakes. An estimated 10 million tourists visited Dublin last year alone.